Death of Tasia Fortuna ruled a homicide after her discovery
26 september 2026 в 10:28
More than a month after Tasia Fortuna was found hanged from a tree behind an abandoned house in Mississippi, detectives stated in court that she was already dead before being hanged. Detective Samuel Duke of the Jackson Police testified on September 25 that he believes Fortuna’s hanging was «staged», - citing the opinion of a forensic expert, according to the Associated Press.
Authorities have not disclosed how they believe Fortuna, 29, died, but her death was ruled a homicide on August 3. Duke also reported that police concluded that Fortuna, a Black woman, struggled before her death, based on witness testimony. He stated that the alleged cause of Fortuna’s death was a drug-related conflict.
Despite the stated theory, authorities did not explain why they believe the accused hanged Fortuna’s body if she was already dead. Two individuals have been arrested on murder charges, and authorities have issued a warrant for a third suspect. The first arrested was Jarkus Ratliff, who was taken into custody on September 11 and charged with murder. Police confirmed that Ratliff, 51, had a «relationship» with Fortuna but did not specify how they were acquainted. During the hearing, Ratliff stated that he and Fortuna were friends.
The second arrest occurred on September 22, when police apprehended Ernest Lloyd Jr. and also charged him with murder. It is currently unclear what Lloyd’s connection to Fortuna is. Ratliff has pleaded not guilty, while it is unclear whether Lloyd, 25, has made any statement.
The purpose of the hearing on Friday was to determine whether there is enough evidence to present the case to a grand jury for possible indictment. The hearing is set to resume on September 30. Fortuna’s death has shocked her loved ones, and her family has launched a GoFundMe page for financial support for her children following the tragedy. In a statement on the page, the family thanked everyone for their help during this difficult time and expressed hope for justice for Tasia.
Authorities have not disclosed how they believe Fortuna, 29, died, but her death was ruled a homicide on August 3. Duke also reported that police concluded that Fortuna, a Black woman, struggled before her death, based on witness testimony. He stated that the alleged cause of Fortuna’s death was a drug-related conflict.
Despite the stated theory, authorities did not explain why they believe the accused hanged Fortuna’s body if she was already dead. Two individuals have been arrested on murder charges, and authorities have issued a warrant for a third suspect. The first arrested was Jarkus Ratliff, who was taken into custody on September 11 and charged with murder. Police confirmed that Ratliff, 51, had a «relationship» with Fortuna but did not specify how they were acquainted. During the hearing, Ratliff stated that he and Fortuna were friends.
The second arrest occurred on September 22, when police apprehended Ernest Lloyd Jr. and also charged him with murder. It is currently unclear what Lloyd’s connection to Fortuna is. Ratliff has pleaded not guilty, while it is unclear whether Lloyd, 25, has made any statement.
The purpose of the hearing on Friday was to determine whether there is enough evidence to present the case to a grand jury for possible indictment. The hearing is set to resume on September 30. Fortuna’s death has shocked her loved ones, and her family has launched a GoFundMe page for financial support for her children following the tragedy. In a statement on the page, the family thanked everyone for their help during this difficult time and expressed hope for justice for Tasia.
© Kolganov Andrey
